Thursday, 12 May 2016

In recent years Edinburgh has become a prime location for
those celebrating their impending nuptials. Stag and hen parties pull up in
Edinburgh Waverley in droves each year – and why wouldn’t they? It’s the
perfect setting for a group of guys or girls to enjoy a weekend of escapades
before a close friend makes the ultimate commitment. The Scottish city is extremely
walkable and picturesque enough to provide a stunning backdrop for photos, but
trendy enough for there to be plenty of exciting options to thrill any bride or
groom-to-be. This is why we chose it as the location for a friend’s hen do in
April – here’s how twelve hens filled two glorious days in Edinburgh.

From Station to Hotel
in a Hop-Skip-and-Jump

We pulled into Edinburgh Waverley at around 1pm on the
Saturday, having had the compulsory picnic breakfast, prosecco from plastic
cups and games on the train up from Manchester. We were all suitably cheery as
we rolled our cases along the platform – twelve ladies weaving through the
crowds like a lively, chattering caterpillar. Less than five minutes later, we
were entering the impressive lobby of The Scotsman Hotel, checking into our
rooms. The staff greeted us with friendly smiles and were incredibly helpful –
considering twelve excited women had just descended upon them in one go.

We had booked several Classic Rooms, using the ‘Best Rate
Guaranteed’ offer and paired off to deposit our suitcases – fortunately the
hotel had put us in rooms close to one another so nipping in to share hair
straighteners or advise on outfit choices later when we prepared for a night on
the tiles wouldn’t be difficult! The hotel had kindly put the flowers and
cupcakes we’d ordered with the bride-to-be’s name on in her room, just before
our arrival. She was completely bowled over, not just by this personal touch,
but by the beautiful Executive Room we had treated her and her Maid of Honour
to.

The Aveda Spa: Pampered,
Polished and Primped

The next step on our Edinburgh adventure was to grab our
dressing gowns and head for the Aveda Spa for some serious pampering. After an
early start and long train journey up, we were all ready for some proper relaxation.
The spa is inside the hotel itself, making it easy for guests to access, while
the array of treatments on offer meant difficult choices had to be made when we
booked. Having arranged our treatments ahead of time, the spa knew exactly what
we were each having (and why we were visiting Edinburgh) so they took
especially good care of us and our bride-to-be.

As some of us headed for a swim in the stunning pool, others
caught the spinning class that was just starting – we had all decided that in
order to earn this decadent weekend, we had to work hard for it first! It was
great to get our pulses racing in such luxurious surroundings – there were no
crowds, the instructors were motivational and we had a really good laugh. After
working up a sweat, we all met up in the steam-room for some high intensity
relaxation. The refreshing eucalyptus essences transported us to a rustic
Australian cabin and made us feel like we were a million miles away.

Next, we headed for the treatment rooms. I was booked in for
a 30 minute, customised Elemental Nature massage – the masseuse asked me about
my problem areas and tested my body for tension points before she began so she
could tailor the massage to my needs. Whilst I was being pummelled and prodded
(in the most lavish way, of course), some of the other girls chose facials,
manicures, pedicures, natural tanning and waxing. By the time we floated (on a
cloud of aloe, lavender and ylang ylang) back up to our rooms to get ready for
our night out, we all felt brand new.

Chow Down - Edinburgh Style

Dressed to the nines and ready to start our night, we
reconvened back down in the lobby. Since it was now 6:30pm – cocktail o’clock –
we headed for North Bridge Brasserie. The hotel bar proved the perfect place to
begin our night. The cocktail list was extensive… making even the most decisive
amongst us hesitant. The barman was helpful and guided us through the menu,
based on questions he asked us about our usual preferences.

I finally settled on a Highland Iced Tea – single malt
whisky and Earl Grey tea with peach & fig liquors. It was one of the
tastiest things I’ve ever drunk. In my life. The bride went for a (very
seasonal) Bee On Rhubarb – Cointreau, rhubarb bitters and honey syrup – whilst
others in the party enjoyed a combination of classic and exclusive-to-the-Scotsman
tipples: Burnt Islay Old Fashioneds, Fruits of the Forests, Singapore Slings,
French Martinis and Bellinis. Not a single one of us was disappointed and not a
single one of us wanted to leave… but our dinner reservations were beckoning.

We could have eaten at The Scotsman (and believe me, the
smells wafting from the dining room were making us salivate) but it was time
for us to get out of the hotel and see some of the city sites. We’d booked into
a restaurant in the New Town side of the bridge – near the lively nightlife
spots of George Street and Rose Street. Iris is an intimate little restaurant,
specialising in contemporary Scottish cuisine and it was only a 15 minute
stroll from the hotel – perfect for a group wearing heels!

Using fresh, local ingredients, the team at Iris strive to
provide customers with the most delicious and typically-Scottish flavours
possible – as well as European influences. This is why we chose them for our
evening meal – this group of women know their food and it has to be good… We
indulged in delicious dishes such as smoked partridge with deep fried quail’s
egg, seared scallops with black pudding and steamed Scottish mussels to start
with. This was followed by lamb loin with haggis, roast duck breast with
Drambuie, and monkfish tail wrapped in pancetta. The abundance of fish on the
menu is a reminder of Edinburgh’s location and Scotland’s proud relationship
with the sea. Too full for dessert (yes, even the chocolate beetroot cake) we
moved onto our second bar of the evening…

Painting Edinburgh
Red

Considering it’s a major UK city, hosting thousands of
tourists every month, we were thrilled to find that most of the stylish,
swanky, quirky cocktail bars Edinburgh houses are perfectly reasonably-priced. Most
drinks we ordered – beautifully crafted by talented and knowledgeable barmen
and women – were between £5 and £9… members of the party visiting from London
were particularly impressed!

Just three minutes’ walk from Iris, is Bramble – one of the
city’s favourite word-of-mouth haunts. Despite its sterling reputation, the
downstairs bar is slightly difficult to find, making it all the more charming.
It has steps directly down from the street, contributing to a clandestine,
secretive vibe – it’s small, intimate and a tight squeeze for a group of twelve
when it’s already buzzing! The drinks and atmosphere made it completely worth
it though, and soon enough we had our own little seating area to perch in. We
sipped on our Red Rums, Stepford Sisters and – of course – Brambles, as the DJ
span funky mash-ups of new and old music alike, creating a lively and stylish
atmosphere, without pretension.

Another eight minute stroll, and we were at The Voodoo Rooms;
a stunningly restored 1861 building with décor that fuses grandiose gold and
black Victoriana and Tiki island grotto. With over sixty tequilas and sixty
rums to choose from, this award-winning bar is heaven for anyone who enjoys
exotic cocktails inspired by South America, and the Polynesian and Caribbean
islands.

Choosing from the six themed rooms is no easy task – guests
can settle in the plush Main Bar, Dining Room for food, The American Bar or The
Ballroom for group or private events, a self-contained Speakeasy, or – where we
had booked – The French Quarter. Rum punches, Mai Tais, daiquiris and coladas
in hand, we were seated at our leather booth. This venue is particularly great
for big groups, not only because of all the separate rooms… and the fact they
serve fish bowls of cocktails and DIY cocktail kits – great to share and get in
the spirit (bad pun) – but because they have live music at weekends. Folk, blues
and jazz bands frequent this place and dancing is encouraged… not to mention a
killer lit-up dancefloor in The French Quarter.

As far as atmosphere goes, this bar really delivers with its
slick drinks list, relaxed attitude and friendly staff. For variety (and one or
two fun gimmicks) we found it the perfect place to end our night… and only a five
minute totter home for sore feet at the end of the night!

No Rest for the
Soon-to-be-Hitched

Sunday morning (some a little delicate from the antics of
the night before) we all re-met in North Bridge Brasserie for our inclusive
breakfast. This was a meal that promised to deliver a hearty slice of Scottish
tradition, as well as headache relief… for those who needed it. I mentioned our
healthy appetites earlier… so, although the Continental Breakfast looked beautiful
with juices, fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurt, cheeses, cured meat and fish
available – all twelve around the table opted for the ‘Full Scottish.’

It was the right choice. The breakfast is served as a buffet
where diners can help themselves and includes eggs (done any way – just ask the
server), smoked Ayrshire bacon, Highland butchers’ sausages, black pudding, as
well as grilled tomatoes and mushrooms. Additions, such as beans, haggis and
tatties are available too – the staff are really accommodating. With each
mouthful, the cobwebs vanished and soon enough we were all much perkier… ready
for another action-packed day in the city.

Once the breakfast had settled, we set off for our day-time
activity. This part was a complete surprise for the bride-to-be – up to this
point, she’d had an idea about what we’d do but this part was unknown. We made
our way back to New Town and arrived at the Edinburgh Escape Rooms – a
team-building experience like no other. We were put into three teams of four
and each team put into a mysterious room – from that moment on, you have 60
minutes to escape your room, using the clues provided and your logic,
problem-solving and teamwork skills.

This was an absolute highlight of the trip – and with a
weekend this enjoyable, it’s hard to make such a claim! We made sure we mixed
ourselves up to have a fair spread of skills and personalities in each team,
which meant we got to work with people we didn’t know that well prior to the
activity. Afterwards, we were able to swap stories about the different themed
rooms we had experienced (The Da Vinci Room, The Taken Room and Area 51) and
laughed hysterically about some of the things we’d had to do. I don’t want to
spoil the experience for you, so won’t offer any more details, but if you come
to Edinburgh – whatever the reason – make sure you squeeze an hour in for this
magical activity!

Everything Stops for
Tea

Before leaving the city, it was time for one last
gastronomic foray. Heading back in the direction of the hotel, we stopped off
on our final luxurious pit stop before catching the train. Getting a bit
peckish after all that brain power, we entered the impressive Dome – a historic
restaurant and cocktail bar that, in the afternoon, becomes a haven for
tea-drinkers. For £23.50 per head (or £16.50 without champagne) we settled down
for a delectable afternoon tea in the beautiful Georgian Tea Room.

The food included delicate finger sandwiches – egg mayonnaise
and mustard cress, smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber, wafer-thin ham and
coarse grain mustard – the chef’s selection of cakes, freshly-baked scones with
clotted cream and jam, and an excellent range of loose leaf teas. This was the
perfect, classy end to what had been a heavenly weekend. Over all too quickly,
we made a final toast to the bride-to-be, picked up our suitcases and re-traced
our steps to Edinburgh Waverley.

Our weekend is only one example of the plentiful
opportunities open to hen and stag dos in Edinburgh – the possibilities are
endless. Perhaps your friends would enjoy whisky tasting, a ghost tour, quad
biking, cocktail-making, Scottish reel lessons or a crafting session. But one
thing can be guaranteed and it’s that Edinburgh will provide an unforgettable
weekend for everyone and The Scotsman Hotel was a central part to making our
visit truly exceptional.

Friday, 6 May 2016

Temperatures are starting to get a bit warmer and the sun is
popping out more often… and we all know what this means: summer is coming. Alongside
crowds flocking to beer gardens and lunching in parks, the mildest time of the
year is also synonymous with the ever popular festival season. Whether you’re
more into classical music, jazz and blues, theatre or cinema, there will be an
event for you to get excited about – and especially in Edinburgh. Get your festival
gear on and inspire your creativity with our list of unmissable festivals in Scotland’s
capital:

As the largest arts festival in the world, the Fringe is an
extraordinary event that shouldn’t be missed. Taking place every August for
three weeks, it fills the streets of our beautiful city, offering every
pedestrian the chance to attend outstanding, outdoor performances. The one rule
to join the festival is that there is no rule. Actors and comedians are free to
participate whenever and however they want, as there is no selection committee,
nor any themes to follow.

Walk around the cobbled, steep roads of Edinburgh to
discover hundreds of performances. Sometimes dramas, sometimes comedy,
sometimes solo representations, sometimes group shows; each year, the Fringe
gathers an array of exceptional talent, giving life to the medieval quarters of
the city. Little ones and adults can both look forward to exploring Edinburgh
in a truly unique way and enjoying this colourful, festive event that has hit
the streets for 26years now.

If you’re more into classical music, the Edinburgh International
Festival is for you. Boasting an outstanding line-up of opera and dance shows
each year, the Scottish event organised its first edition in the wake of the
Second World War. Since then, it has welcomed hundreds of highly gifted
orchestras, musicians and dance companies inside the walls of leading venues
such as the Kings Theatre, the Queen’s Hall and the Hub; a converted church on
Castlehill, below Edinburgh Castle.

Visitors can look forward to attending three weeks of
on-stage performances that interpret original creations and classical
compositions. Feel transported by the powerful melodies and inspiring acting
presented on the diverse stages of the festival, and discover a new side to
Scottish cultural heritage.

If you’ve had enough of electro and pop-rock gigs acclaimed
by hundreds of flower-crowned, hipsters, we feel you. We’ve also got exactly
what you need to reconcile your feelings towards music festivals. Enter the inspiring
atmosphere of jazz and blues at this annual festival located in the heart of
Edinburgh. Set up in 1978, the music event aims to unveil a new jazz scene as
well as having famous musicians on stage – including the likes of Buddy Tate and Warren
Vaché, who used to visit and play in the 80’s.

Over nine days, 14 exceptional concerts will be held in
diverse venues across Edinburgh. Warren Haynes’ classic rock guitar and
deep-toned voice, Alvin Youngblood Hart’s heartfelt, enchanting melodies and Curtis
Stigers’ suave saxophone will seduce the audience in a second. Get ready to
enjoy an unforgettable experience with the pure rhythms of jazz and blues…

If you’re interested in cinema, EIFF will be your perfect
festival choice. Undoubtedly the UK’s biggest cinema event, it welcomes the crème de la crème of international
movies each year; promoting them through an outstanding ten-day festival. Since
its first edition, films such as Little
Miss Sunshine, Billy Elliot and
more recently Frances Ha have been showcased
in the Scottish city – and met with admiration from spectators and jurists
alike.

From “American Dreams” to “Black Box”, 14 categories will
include innovative, international films including animation, short and feature-length
movies. Edinburgh International Film Festival aims to nurture new talent and find
the big names of tomorrow. The “world’s longest continually running film
festival”, as it’s commonly called, is the first to open festival season in
Edinburgh and invites an enchanting and artistic atmosphere to the city. If
watching foreign, independent movies is what you crave, register on the website
to get free tickets – and enter the world of this awe-inspiring art.

Monday, 15 February 2016

Give Yourself the Spring Clean Treatment in Edinburgh this February

It’s that time of year again when the optimistic ones
amongst us start their spring cleaning. For many, February signals a time to
get our lives back in order, new starts and fresh ideas. We all know it’s
supposed to happen in January – the New Year’s Resolution period where we chuck
out Christmas trees and frantically join fitness groups. But in reality, the
endless drizzle and return-to-work slump make us sluggish, so changes go on
hold for a month. Fortunately, Spring’s blossom-covered, daffodil-scattered
head is just starting to peep over the horizon.

This year, I’ve decided to apply the spring cleaning process
to ME as well as my home. Now don’t get me wrong – I do wash. I’m a big fan of
baths: wallowing around hippo-like under a blanket of bubbles is one of life’s
great pleasures. But I’ve decided I need to take better general care of my
bodywork because I’m starting to show some wear and tear. There are visible
chips and dents and if I’m not careful, my bumper might fall off altogether. A
regular service is in order and in Edinburgh there’s only one place to get the
kind of attention I need.

Aware of my MOT mission, a kind aunt treated me to the ‘New
Year, New You’ offer from The Scotsman Hotel for Christmas. I’d been for
cocktails and a festive meal at the hotel before – both decadent and delicious –
but I’d never been to the spa. This was finally my chance to be pummelled,
polished and slathered in good stuff by expert hands and I couldn’t wait. So I
finally chucked out the remnants of Christmas stodge left in the house, dusted
off my gym-wear and headed to the Aveda Scotsman Spa & Health Club,
gift-card in hand.

I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from the spa before I
arrived. The foyer, bar and brasserie at the hotel are so classically Edwardian
with polished wooden panels, stained glass and marble columns everywhere – was
this Art Deco glamour extended to the spa? I suddenly felt very out of place in
my scruffy (and slightly tight) gym kit but the staff greeted me with warm
smiles and helpful directions. I couldn’t have been more wrong about the
furnishings downstairs though – or more pleasantly surprised.

As I descended the stairs into the basement level (where a
cool 20,000 square feet of space is dedicated to relaxation – a slight
improvement on my own 5x9ft bathroom) I was taken aback by the décor. The spa
has a sophisticated, minimalist design – all contemporary metal panelling,
slick granite surfaces and chic spotlighting. I instantly felt my stresses melt
away in this underground hideaway – the street noise evaporated and the muted colours
were already lulling me into a hypnotically soothed state.

My first port of call was the gym… a word which usually
strikes fear in my heart. But if I was going to enjoy some of the luscious spa
treatments on offer later, I had to earn them first. It was my first gym
experience in three years – my first ever yoga class – and try as I might to
tell myself I hate exercise, I really did end up rather enjoying it. The Scotsman
Hotel studio is well-equipped and the instructor endlessly encouraging and
energy-boosting. Soon I understood my Downward Dog from my Baby Cobra and was
feeling my body unwind. After the class, I had an unfamiliar feeling of wanting
to do more… so taking full advantage of this strange compulsion, next I headed
for the pool.

Having not worn my cozzie in a while, I was relieved to see
there were only two other people in the pool – so I made a dash for it. No
sooner had I entered the water, than I felt my self-consciousness ebb away as
quickly as my muscle pangs. The pool is kept at an inviting 30 degrees which
is, not only like a big warm hug in the middle of winter, but the optimal
temperature to help you get the most out of a swimming workout. The room itself
is a stunning structure, featuring Scotland’s first stainless steel pool, and
it certainly makes for an interesting swim as you take in your sleek, urban
surroundings. I found myself doing more lengths of back-stroke than usual, just
to enjoy the view.

Once I’d completed 20 lengths (a number I was quite pleased
with – I’m no Rebecca Adlington) I sprawled myself out on one of the pool
loungers for a well-earned rest… but the Tropical Showers were calling me. I
mentioned before my love of baths, well if I had a shower like this in my home,
I’d never leave the bathroom. The idea behind the steamy, fragrant heat of
these showers is that, post-swim, they keep your muscles supple at a nice warm
temperature – perfect for those about to enter the steam room (as I was,
naturally, going to do). I needed all the toxin-sweating,
circulation-improving, ache-soothing help I could get… so reluctantly prising
myself away from the exotic stream, I entered the steam room.

This time, I was the only one in there – I felt like Viking
nobility! I found a spot and allowed the humidity to settle around me, soaking
my skin and I slowed my breathing. The Scotsman uses eucalyptus essence in the
vapour of their steam room, so those with a lingering winter cold will find
instant relief. By the time I climbed out 15 minutes later, my body was feeling
amazing and my head pleasantly dozy – this was exactly the TLC I knew it was
craving… and then it was time for the follow-up Arctic Shower. From my reading,
I knew that following the extreme heat and moisture of the steam room with a
burst of cold water is essential. It allows your body to regulate a normal
temperature again and for your freshly-cleansed pores to close up. Knowing this
fact, is very different to actually taking a step into something that has ‘Arctic’
in the title. I took a deep intake of breath and reminded myself it was all
part of my Spring Clean project. It was certainly invigorating and my
drowsiness was gone in an instant.

For the final part of my Aveda Spa visit, I was led into the
treatment room – think serene Indian retreat – by a welcoming therapist. I had pre-booked
my Stress-Fix Body Massage (though my morning so far had definitely helped wash
some of those stresses away already) and had looked forward to this session all
day. This bespoke massage means the therapist really listens to you first to
find out your problematic areas. Then once they start, they listen to your
body, identifying unknown weak spots, muscle knots and joints that need extra
care. I’m not quite sure how 60 minutes passed, but in a blur of deep tissue
massage and reflexology, relaxing music and aromatic oils, the masseuse
informed me we’d come to the end… until next time.

After a hot shower, blow-dry and cuppa, I practically
floated out of the building and glided down the street back home. Anyone who
saw me – a large tranquil smile spread across my face – probably thought I’d
either struck gold somewhere on The Royal Mile or sampled one too many
cocktails at North Bridge Brasserie. But I honestly felt better than if both
those things had happened! I was finally able to give that bodywork the
much-needed care and attention it needed and in the most stylish, luxurious
surroundings the city has to offer – this is one Spring Clean that I won’t mind
keeping up all year round.

Monday, 25 January 2016

Most of us understand the basics of Burns Night. Each year (exactly
a month after Christmas – just when we all need to blow the January blues away)
the Scots give us all an excuse for a big knees-up to celebrate the birth of Scotland’s
most famous poet, Robert Burns.

At this grey and drizzly time of year, the prospect of a raucous
night sampling drams of whisky and linking arms in a reel with tartan-clad pals
is the only thing lighting the way to February. It’s time to hail the bagpipes
and practise reciting ‘A Red, Red Rose’ in your best Scottish accent (only
please don’t look to Mike Myers in ‘Shrek’ for inspiration). With the
comforting, carb-rich food (let’s face it – the January diet has long been
abandoned) and ceremonial touches like piping in and addressing the haggis, there’s
nothing not to like about Burns Night. Besides the general merry-making, it’s a
chance to show appreciation for the Greatest Scot (as voted for by the Scottish
public) – the man who gave us something to sing along to at the stroke of
midnight each New Year’s Eve.

But it’s all too easy to pigeon-hole Burns as purely a
talented wordsmith. His poetic finesse is indisputable, but beyond ‘Auld Lang
Syne’ and ‘Tam O’ Shanter’ – how much do most of us know about his poetry? This
Burns Night, we’re reveling more enthusiastically than ever, but instead of
admiring his verses, we’re looking at the man behind the quill. Join us in
celebrating the other wonderful, lesser-known things about the Scottish Bard –
and there are plenty to choose from. So as you raise your glass – or your kilt
– to Scotland’s national treasure this Burns Night, keep these wee nuggets in
mind:

1. He Was a Self-Made Grafter

Burns’ father was a farmer who taught
himself to read and write. Whilst young Robert was lucky to receive some
education, it was often sporadic and interrupted by farm duties, like
harvest-time. He knew what it was to live in poverty and his health suffered as
a result of early exposure to farm labour – he had a life-long stoop of the
shoulders. Burns was a true grafter, building his writing, influential contacts
and career piece by piece until days in the fields were a long-gone memory and
his first volume of poetry was being snapped up across the land. Burns was the
original ‘boy done good.’

2. He Made Love
Not War

Burns fell in love… a lot. Whilst adultery isn’t something
generally desirable in a national treasure (at least not in buttoned-up Britain)
during his lifetime Burns fell in love with, married and had children by many
women. Rather than being remembered as a scoundrel though, history – and the
women themselves – recall him as a passionate artist… women were his muses, not
concubines. Indeed, he once commented that, “The finest hours
that e’er I spent were spent amang the lasses, O!” This sometimes over-zealous fondness
for women led to the birth of at least 12 little Burnses and now there are over
600 relatives of Burns around the world… you might want to check your
genealogy.

3. He Owned the Room

Once Burns’ success took off, he found
himself rubbing shoulders with the aristocrats of Edinburgh society. But
instead of suffering an inferiority complex, he owned every room he walked into...
he was an 18th century Jay-Z. He stood strong and proud, didn’t say
too much and was always dignified. A young Walter Scott encountered him at one
of these gatherings, commenting later that “His person was strong and robust; his manners
rustic, not clownish. A sort of dignified plainness and simplicity which
came…perhaps from knowledge of his extraordinary talents.” Yes, Rabbie Burns
had swagger.

4. He Believed in
Power to the People

Way ahead of his time, Burns was thinking about – and
speaking openly about – equal rights. He learned about the slave trade and wrote
‘A Slave’s Lament’ taking a keen interest in the abolitionist movement from its
early days. Unlike other men of the time, he also believed women should have
voices, were not merely property and deserved the same rights and freedoms as
men. He supported the French Revolution and other revolts across Europe at the
time… his forward-thinking beliefs weren’t always shared by the aristocrats in
his circle (they wanted their necks to avoid the same fate as their French
counterparts), but his passion for Scotland won their hearts.

5. His Candle
Went Out Too Soon

At the age of just 37, Robbie Burns died. His professional
future was at its brightest but his body was ailing – since his farming days,
his heart had been weak. Following a tooth extraction (sorry, Dentist-fearers),
he passed away at his home in Dumfries – tragically his last child, Maxwell, was
born on the day as his funeral. As with all Greats who die young, we can only
wonder what he may have gone on to achieve, both artistically and socially. His
work influenced the Romantic poets of the next century and he instantly gained
a place in the hearts of the Scottish people – the first Burns Night was
celebrated just 6 years after he died and has been the brightest part of
January – including the sales – ever since.

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Look Forward to an Indulgent Christmas in the Capital

With evenings beginning to grow darker and temperatures on a
chilly descent, our attention is beginning to turn towards the most wonderful
time of the year. There’s nothing the Scotsman team love more than hanging a
red-ribbon adorned wreath on the stairway, decorating the grand tree in
reception with gold coloured baubles and feasting on the many seasonal delights
the North Bridge Brasserie chefs rustle up. However, with merriment not due to
begin at the hotel until the 1st of December, we've been on the hunt
for the perfect event to tide us over, and luckily we've found it…

Between the 13th and 15th of November,
the EICC will be hosting Foodies Festival Christmas; ideal for getting us in
the festive spirit and delighting the
taste buds. The seasonal variation of the city’s already popular summer-held
Foodies Festival will offer the chance to browse over 150 artisan producers at
its vast Christmas market and pick-up cooking tips from some of the UK’s most
acclaimed chefs…which should come in handy when recreating the contemporary and traditional recipes on offer. The likes of MasterChef: The
Professionals Winner 2014 Jamie Scott, quaint cake café owners Three Sisters Bake and renowned Indian Chef Romy Gill will all be making an appearance at the
Aga Rangemaster Chefs Theatre, where a selection of ‘Retro Recipes’ inspired by TV Chef Fanny Craddock will also be recreated including Baked Alaska, vol-au-vents and duck a l’orange.

When the many guest demonstrations inevitably evoke a feeling of hunger, the sweet-toothed can head straight to the Pudding Hall where
they’ll be able to feast on mince pies, marzipan bonbons and Christmas cake,
all washed down with eggnog and mulled wine. A Champagne Ski Bar will provide a
stylish destination to sip on a glass of bubbles, while those keen to learn
more can head to cocktail-making classes in the Scottish Gin Theatre or
additional masterclasses hosted by wine and craft beer experts. There’ll also
be plenty of family-friendly fun too with an Elf Cooking School offering gingerbread
and snowball baking classes, as well as live music, carol singers, a photo
booth and competitions.

This indulgent festive warm-up will provide the perfect palate
training ahead of the 1st of December, when North Bridge Brasserie
will begin to serve its temping seasonal selection. Christmas lunches and
dinners will be available throughout the month offering up the likes of
Scottish game terrine or organic salmon ballotine for starters, succulent free
range bronze turkey or handmade tagliatelle with wild mushrooms for mains,
and dessert options including bitter chocolate torte, a Scottish cheese
selection and homemade Christmas pudding. However the seasonal treats we’re
most looking forward to will be found during Festive Afternoon Tea, with tiers
of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits washed down with traditional teas and roasted
coffee.

However, those still feeling a little more Scrooge-like on
the Christmas spectrum by mid-November can also look forward to Edinburgh’s Light Night and the arrival of the city’s Christmas markets. Singer Susan Boyle will
join over a thousand performers to celebrate the switching on of the capital’s Christmas
lights on the 22nd, while streets and parks will be lined with
stalls offering European and Scottish festive treats, gifts and entertainment
from the 20th. With such an array of fun-filled options to look forward to, excitement
in our team is already building and we look forward to sharing the Christmas spirit
with guests too. Find our full
selection of Christmas deals, dining options and party packages here, and join
us for a truly indulgent Christmas in Edinburgh.

Tuesday, 4 August 2015

Here at The Scotsman Hotel, we’re big fans of forward-planning, anticipating every need, want and whim before we warmly welcome every guest. If you share in our passion for organising ahead, we think
you may want to take a look at our luxury festive breaks or Christmas party packages, each of which offer an exciting array of seasonal experiences and are available to book now.

We can’t imagine a more attractive prospect than a fuss-free
yet lavish Christmas, which is why we’ve gone about creating just that,
complete witha welcome glass of Champagne for every guest, a classic film screening in our private cinema and an array of delicious culinary experiences. With a three-course Christmas
Eve dinner, six-course Christmas lunch that’ll include homemade Christmas pudding drizzled in white chocolate, and a tempting serving of afternoon tea,
we’ll deliver a feast-filled three night stay without you having to lift a
finger. While those hoping to hit the sales in the most stylish way possible
can opt for a two night stay from the 27th that includes a £50
shopping voucher and 25% off Aveda treatments at the Scotsman Spa, ideal for a post-shopping pamper.

We’re also experts in letting our hair down. Fully versed in
organising exciting events, we've made sure our Christmas party packages will
deliver the most fun possible. From just £49pp, each guest will be greeted with a glass
of Champagne, served a delicious three-course meal and offered the chance to
dance the night away to music mixed by our resident DJ, while other add-ons available include tempting canapés and pre-party Aveda tanning treatments. However, our
biggest night of the year is without a doubt Hogmanay, when guests can enjoy a
Champagne reception, be piped into the award-winning North Bridge Brasserie and
served a six-course gala meal… before being offered a special ‘hangover’
breakfast the following morning.

Despite delectable dishes and five-star entertainment, we
can’t claim to be the only attraction in Edinburgh this festive season. Find fairy-light
lit shop windows displaying tailored tweed suits and stacks of first-edition
books along the winding cobbled streets of Grassmarket, while rows of designer
boutiques in the New Town will offer a sleek selection to please even the pickiest
of recipients, from cosy, Burberry scarves to luxurious leather Mulberry bags.
Over the road, a Scottish Christmas market will boast hand-crafted goods,
artworks and local delicacies in St Andrew Square, while a traditional European Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens

will also provide an inspiring gift selection.

Beyond present buying and sales shopping, the ever expanding
line-up of events will ensure every taste and age is accounted for. Face-painting,
a Christmas tree maze and an array of rides will await at Santa Land for little
ones, who can also enjoy a trip to The Lyceum to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or the Snow White & the Seven Dwarves pantomime at King’s
Theatre. Meanwhile, the European premiere of Scottish Ballet’s Cinderella will be
performed to Prokofiev’s score at Festival Theatre, and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, named one of the ‘top 100 things to do before you die’, is set to attract over 70,000 visitors. Join a
four-stage street party, torchlight procession through the city, the UK’s
largest outdoor New Year ceilidh and much more during the city's unique New Year celebrations.

If you think the atmosphere in Edinburgh is magical during
the summer Festival season, you’ll be mesmerised by the capital this December. With
such an array of attractions and world-class entertainment on the door-step, as
well as indulgent fine-dining experiences and luxurious accommodation, there's so much to look forward to after booking your Christmas and New Year at Edinburgh’s The Scotsman Hotel.

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Watching the sun set over Portobello beach, joining the
swathes of festival goers to see world-class comedy acts and
enjoying the succulent taste of Blairgowrie strawberries... these are just a few of
our favourite summertime activities in Edinburgh. Every year, our city basks in the
glow of hosting such an incredible events programme, and there’s nothing more beautiful
than a wander around a sun-soaked Royal Botanic Garden either. All in all, we can’t think of a better destination to
spend the summer months and with this in mind, we've put together three exciting offers so that every guest can get the most out of their summertime stay in Edinburgh.

Though we’re obviously a little biased, we like to think we
can offer the best five-star stay in the capital and for us that means an all-round
outstanding experience. Great location is a must, as are spectacular views. Interiors
that combine historic Scottish charm and state-of-the-art facilities are a
given… and the soft Egyptian cotton sheets? They’re an added bonus, but we don’t
think it would be a luxury stay without them. A 60-station gym, 16.2 metre pool
and Aveda spa help too, and well, it wouldn’t be a holiday without trying local
delicacies. Our summer special offer includes 25% off a la carte dining at
North Bridge Brasserie, our very own award-winning restaurant, meaning each
guest will have the chance to sample delicious dishes including our exclusive haggis recipe, squid ink tortellini and homemade ice cream, at a discounted price during a five-star stay.

While taking the chance to explore the city, it’s not uncommon for
guests (and team members) to feel a little weary after fighting through the
Royal Mile crowds. However, we have two luxury remedies for festival fatigue to
ensure everyone can be back on their feet and ready to enjoy another fringe show or two in
a matter of hours. First up is a delectable serving of Summer Afternoon Tea at
North Bridge Brasserie. Combining finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and
the refreshing taste of a strawberry mojito, we can’t think of a finer way to refuel this
summer. If a stronger course of action is needed, our Scotsman Spa team will
deliver the three P’s for £75pp. Polish, Pedicure and Prosecco. A 30-minute
Aveda body polish will nourish skin, a 45-minute Stress-Fix pedicure will
combine reflexology and soothing scents to truly pamper toes, and a glass of
Prosecco will offer the chance to indulge just a little more.

Between a star studded EIFF and sizzling heatwave, an
exciting summer has already started in Edinburgh and we’re looking forward to
offering you the warmest of welcomes at The Scotsman.

About Me

The Scotsman Hotel is a 5 star luxury boutique in the heart of Edinburgh. With deep links to the community, this former baronial home of the Scotsman Newspaper provides the city with luxury accommodation, a state of the art Spa & Health Club… and one of the finest bars & restaurants in town.